Digital Content Strategist

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Manager, Communications, the Content Strategist provides strategic leadership of Surrey Schools’ digital ecosystem, including the rollout and ongoing management of the corporate website and more than 130 school websites. The role leads the planning, development, and execution of multi-channel content strategies, ensuring consistency in brand, voice, and messaging across all digital platforms. Working in alignment with Surrey Schools' communications goals and objectives, the Content Strategist oversees the delivery of engaging, accessible, and effective content that supports organizational priorities. The role will require occasional after hours/weekend work.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the implementation and ongoing management of a district-wide digital communications framework that strengthens brand integrity, standardizes digital practices, and ensures consistent messaging across all digital platforms.
• Provide strategic digital communications support during crisis situations and emerging issues, exercising independent judgement and partnering with district leaders and departments to deliver timely, accurate, and effective communications.
• Lead the implementation and continuous enhancement of the district's website ecosystem, including the corporate website and more than 130 individual school websites, ensuring an accessible, user-centered digital experience.
• Facilitate the website steering committee, comprised of district and community leaders, staff and other stakeholders, to guide governance, strategic priorities, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the creation and editing of digital content such as website copy, social media posts, videos, graphics and infographics, and ensure all materials follow brand, style, tone and accessibility standards.
• Collaborate with departments and schools to plan, develop, and execute creative content that supports Surrey Schools' strategic priorities and communications objectives.
• Develop and maintain editorial calendars and content plans to ensure consistent, coordinated, and timely delivery of digital communications across multiple platforms.
• Develop, maintain and distribute district-wide standards for digital content through a living Digital Communications Playbook, and serve as a point of contact for website support, training and guidance.
• Conduct regular content audits of school and department websites to assess accuracy, identify gaps and recommend opportunities for optimization and continuous improvement.
• Develop and execute integrated digital distribution strategies across web, social media, email, and other channels, using paid and organic tactics to maximize reach, engagement, and campaign performance.
• Monitor digital analytics and key performance indicators, maintain reporting dashboards, and translate insights into recommendations that inform content strategy, platform optimization, and resource investment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS (KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS)

• Demonstrated experience managing large, complex websites within public-sector or similarly complex organizations, with responsibility for high-volume, decentralized content environment
• Solid experience in website project management
• Self-starter with strong ability to accomplish assignments with minimal supervision and self-assign appropriately.
• A solid understanding of tools such as WordPress, Drupal, SEMrush, Moz, Ahrefs, Hootsuite and Canva.
• Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills, and the ability to adapt tone and style to various audiences and media, including print, broadcast and web.
• Superior knowledge of and adherence to Canadian Press style.
• Clear understanding of the principles and practices of public relations, issues management and communications strategies and plans.
• Solid grasp of design, layout and desktop publishing principles, including advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, MS Word, SharePoint and other MS Office applications.
• Knowledge and experience managing online communications and community management for social media.
• Knowledge of digital photography, videography and related software.
• Excellent project management and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under time constraints and meet deadlines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A degree in communications, public relations, journalism or similar communications-related discipline from a post-secondary institution recognized by the district.
• Minimum five years’ experience in a related position, or a combination of training and experience.
• Training or certification in digital communications, analytics, accessibility (WCAG) or user experience

LICENSE, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

• Valid B.C. Driver’s License (Class 5).

This is a unionized position that offers an hourly wage rate of $40.97 per hour plus a liberal benefit package including pension, health, vacation, and sick benefits.

Surrey Schools recognizes the importance of accessibility and supporting the diverse needs of our community. If there is any accommodation you may require for your interview, whether related to accessibility or otherwise, please do not hesitate to advise and we will make every effort to meet your needs.

Note: Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. To all others, thank you for your interest.

This job is classed under Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations (NOC 11202) in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC). Here’s how NOC describes the work in general; the posting above has the details for this job.

Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations analyse, develop and implement communication and promotion strategies and information programs; analyse advertising needs and develop appropriate advertising and marketing plans; publicize activities and events, and maintain media relations on behalf of businesses, governments and other organizations, and for performers, athletes, writers and other talented individuals. They are employed by marketing and consulting firms, advertising agencies, corporations, associations, government, social agencies, museums, galleries, public interest groups, and cultural and other organizations, or they may be self-employed. Agents such as entertainment, literary and sports agents are included in this unit group.

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